bisy
Middle English
Alternative forms
- bysy, bisie, bysie, bisi, bysi, bysye, bisiȝ, besi, besy, besie, besye, busy, busi, busie
Etymology
From Old English bisig, from Proto-Germanic *bisigaz (“diligent, zealous, busy”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈbiziː/
- (SW England) IPA(key): /ˈbyziː/
Adjective
bisy (inflected form bisye, comparative bisiere, superlative bisiest)
- (of a person) Engaged in activity; preoccupied.
- Having a strong work ethic; diligent, industrious, hard-working.
- Disposed to anxiety or concern, particularly about practical matters; solicitous, worried.
- Eager to; intent upon (typically followed by to, for to or þat.
- 1393 John Gower, Confessio Amantis.
- Mi will..is besi nyht and day, To lerne al that he lerne may.
- 1393 John Gower, Confessio Amantis.
- (of an action or place) Characterised by activity and vigor.
Descendants
- English: busy
- Scots: bissy, besy, bussie
References
- “bisi (adj.)” in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 20 June 2018.